A truncated March month in the Barclays Premier League brings us our eighth monthly prize winner in the FPL Vibes Prize League. The March monthly prize winner is Saleem Boochoon with his team Ebouela Hazard FC. For his choice of jersey, Saleem has selected an Arsenal FC Away Kit, Alexis #17 size Medium from our official kit supplier Red Mango Kits.

After his fruitful showing in March, Saleem rises to 12th spot in the overall standings of the FPL Vibes Prize League. The new leader is Omar Romero with his team Sporting Pelau FC followed in second place by Curtis Marshall with the Milanista. Ian Emamalie with his team Power Rangers FC currently occupies third place followed closely by Rishi Ramnarine with his team Pigeon Sweat FC in fourth spot. Rounding out the prize positions is Darryl Celestine with his team Manuvelona in 5th place. Now lets take a closer look at how Saleem nabbed the prize for March.

Due to international fixtures and FA Cup commitments, the March FPL schedule featured just 3 gameweeks. Gameweek 28 featured doubles for QPR and Tottenham and Saleem made just one change bringing in Vertongen for Azpilicueta. His team returned a blistering 88 points with key protagonists being captain Harry Kane (30), Silva (11), Hazard (10), Giroud (8), Sanchez (8) and Eriksen (7). For the following gameweek 29, Vertongen’s cameo appearance was ended as he was replaced by Dawson from West Brom. The result was a modest 43 point with only captain Giroud (22) and Dawson (6) registering significant returns.

However the real fireworks came in Gameweek 30. Once again, Saleem made one change with Alderweireld being introduced for Wilkinson for a Southampton double up in defence. The result was a mammoth 98 point showing. This exceptional week was chiefly down to his captain “HurriKane” blowing through Leicester City with a hattrick for 34 points. Other main point scorers were Giroud (13), Bertrand (12), Hazard (9), Silva (9), Alderweireld (6). His stellar week gave Saleem at total of 229 points for March, 8 points clear of his nearest challengers Heath Romeo and Tommy Goodwin and enough to cop him the prize.

Every season features shortened months presenting managers with a unique opportunity to win prizes with well planned short term transfers. Key to Saleem’s success was his choice of captains throughout March who all brought him heavy point returns. In addition, his faith in his assets was handsomely repaid as they piqued at the right time, and his conservative transfer strategy meant that he did not sacrifice point hits to his competition. Congrats to Saleem on his accomplishment and well played!

Only two more monthly prizes up for grabs now while a fierce battle ensues at the top end of the table for the Grand Prizes. With double gameweeks still to come and some wildcards still to be discharged it promises to be an exciting run-in. Who will prevail?

Can you feel the Vibes?

by Omar Romero

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The end of February month in the Barclays Premier League means we have our seventh monthly prize winner but our first repeat prize winner in the FPL Vibes Prize League. The February prize winner is Curtis Marshall with his team Milanista, copping the monthly prize for the second time this season. For his monthly prize, Curtis has selected an AC Milan Home Kit, Gullit #10 size Medium from our official kit supplier Red Mango Kits.

His blistering month sees Curtis assume top spot in the overall standings. Trailing in second place is Ian Emamalie with his team Power Rangers FC followed by Rishi Ramnarine with his team Pigeon Sweat FC in third place. Aidan Ali with his CescDrogs&Roque Roll and Luke Bibby with his Mufcbibb round out the top 5 prize league positions at the end of February. Now lets take a closer look at how Curtis was able to claim the prize for February.

Gameweek 24 was the last opportunity to use the January wildcard and Curtis used the opportunity to revamp his team. With his new look team, he recorded a solid 62 points in a lean week. Key performers were Kane (12), captain Aguero (10), Hazard (10), Mane (8), Clyne (8) and Naughton (6). With no transfers made, Gameweek 21 however brought a more subdued showing 54 point showing. Main point scorers this time were Aguero (11), Kane (11), Zouma (8) and Mane (8).

For Gameweek 26, Curtis again decided to leave well enough be and made no transfers. This time, the Milanista gathered 64 points mostly through the combined efforts of captain Aguero (18), Silva (17) and Hazard (8). However, the final gameweek of February was where we would see the real fireworks.

Heading into Gameweek 27, where Chelsea and Tottenham had blanks ahead of the double gameweek 28, most managers were battening down the hatches to either bank transfers for the double or plug gaps in threadbare squads. In addition, the Milanista was nowhere in the reckoning for the monthly prize. However, the Milanista adopted a totally different approach to devastating effect.

Curtis utilized his two free transfers to bring in Newcastle’s Janmaat and Cisse at home versus a faltering Aston Villa. The end product was a 73 point return in a week where most managers suffered minimal scores. Main scorers were captain Cisse (16), Puncheon (14), Janmaat (12) and Fabianski (11). This was enough to fire Curtis to the top of the overall prize league table and take him 6 points clear in the monthly standings to claim the prize.

A few key points stood out in the stellar tactics that resulted in the monthly prize. Curtis played the week superbly by going against the grain and bringing in key differentials in a week where just about everyone was looking in a different direction. To bring in and even give the armband to less fancied Newcastle players and ignore the common judgement of preparing for the double took major cojones; a risk that brought great reward.

It also goes to show that the prizes are up for grabs to anyone in the league with the right tactics employed at the right time. Only three more monthly prizes left before the grand prizes and surely many more twists in store.

The first month of 2015 in the Barclays Premier League is finished and with it comes us our sixth monthly prize winner in the FPL Vibes Prize League. The January winner is Danesh Sahadeo with his team Kop FC. For his monthly prize, Danesh has selected a Liverpool Home Kit, Sterling #31 size Ladies Small from our official kit supplier Red Mango Kits.

In the overall standings, top spot is currently held by Omar Romero and his Sporting Pelau FC. Ian Emamalie with his team Power Rangers FC slips into a tie for second place with Riaz Ali, manager of Pelau Prince. Curtis Marshall with hisMilanista team and Luke Bibby with his Mufcbibb round out the top 5 prize league positions. The race for prizes is heating up with less than 14 gameweeks left. Now lets take a closer look at how Danesh was able to “kop” the prize for January.

In Gameweek 20, Danesh opted to bank his transfers and emerged with a solid 68 point return. The main protagonist was Harry Kane with an 18 point return versus Chelsea, followed by captain Sterling (10), Bertrand (8), Davies (7), Costa (6) and Guzan (6). With 2 free transfers in the bag for gameweek 21, out went Van Persie and Jedinak to make way for Sanchez and Berahino. With those transfers, the Kop brought home a humungous 97 points. Captain Sanchez led the way with 38 points followed by Ivanovic (11), Berahino (9), Kane (7), Silva (7), Wisdom (7) and Costa (6).

Happy enough with his troops and leading the January table, Danesh elected to again bank his transfers for gameweek 22. This time around the return was more a more modest 60 points. The point getters this time around were Costa (16), Ivanovic (10), Fabregas (6), Sterling (6) and Wisdom (6). With the final gameweek of January still to come, Danesh chose this opportune time to “buss” his wildcard.

With his new look squad for gameweek 23, Kop FC repeated the 60 point feat. Main scorers this time were Cazorla (17), Kane (13), Sterling (10) and Silva (7). This was enough to hold off his nearest challengers and fire the Kop FC to the January prize.

January can be a tricky month with teams emerging from a hectic Xmas schedule, the transfer window open and FPL managers pondering the best time to use the January wildcard. Danesh showed superb management to get on board the form players. He was there for Kane’s hot streak, he brought in and captained Sanchez at the perfect time and with his wildcard he was there for Cazorla’s points burst. YNWA!

This goes to show the remaining four monthly prizes are up for grabs to anyone in the league this season and there are yet still many twists and turns that will determine the direction of the overall grand prizes.

The end of the blistering festive football schedule in the Barclays Premier League gives us our fifth monthly prize winner in the FPL Vibes Prize League. The December winner is Ian Emamalie Ali with his team Power Rangers F.C. For his monthly prize, Ian has selected an Everton Home Kit, Mirallas #11 size Youth from our official kit supplier Red Mango Kits.

In the overall standings, his superb month sees Ian Emamalie and his Power Rangers F.C soar to 1st Place. Omar Romero with his team Sporting Pelau FC moves into second place, with Curtis Marshall and his Milanista team remaining in third; Riaz Ali, manager of Pelau Prince and Luke Bibby with his Mufcbibb round out the top 5 prize league positions. Congratulations to these managers holding form at the top of the Prize League as we pass the halfway point of the season. Now lets take a closer look at how Ian was able to do the business in December.

In Gameweek 14, Ian took a -4 to make two transfers bringing in Sanchez and Austin for Di Maria and Pelle. The result was a massive 85 point haul with key contributors being captain Kun Aguero (32), Azpilicueta (12), Sanchez (9), Chambers (8) and Downing (6). One minor change for Gameweek 15 saw Hutton come in for Dummett but the Power Rangers were brought back down to earth with a lean 35 point week. Only Downing (7), Austin (6) and Fabregas (6) registered here.

Ian made his move in Gameweek 16, bringing in Bony, Yaya Toure and Hazard for Aguero, Sigurdsson and Fabregas resulting in a solid 69 point return. Main protagonists were captain Hazard (28), Sanchez (9), Downing (9) and Bony (7). One cosmetic change before Xmas for Gameweek 17 saw Yun come in for Moore and the form continued with a 77 point haul. Chief point getters were captain Toure (18), Austin (17), Downing (10), Hazard (7), Fabianski (8), Azpilicueta (6) and Bertrand (6).

With the ham and grog out of the way, Vergini was brought in for Chambers ahead of the Boxing Day games and a 74 point haul was in order. This time, it was captain Hazard (12), Costa (11), Sanchez (10), Toure (9), Bertrand (8) and Fabianski (7) to get it done.

Ahead of the final gameweek for December, it was an intense race with no fewer than 8 managers realistically in the reckoning. Ian went on the attack and brought in Zabaleta and Benteke for Bony and Bertrand and the result was a 51 point return in a slender gameweek. From his starters, only Hazard (10), Hutton (8) and Begovic (8) returned but it was his bench, Boyd (7) and Vergini (7) that saw the Power Rangers prevail ahead of the chasing pack.

Traditionally the most difficult month of the season, December contained a packed 6 gameweeks and required a great degree of focus and planning for all FPL managers. Ian did well to construct a team with sufficient bench options to compensate for rotation, made positive transfers and capped well throughout. Well done to him on his accomplishment.

With the January wildcard now active and the second half of the season underway, lets see how things shake out in the FPL Vibes Prize League.

We’re back in the studio for Episode 53 of the FPL Vibes Podcast brought to you by Socawarriors.net.

I’m joined this week by “LVD” (the co-host formerly known as Darryl “2cents” Celestine) as we recap the busy festive period and discuss our teams’ respective fortunes at the midway point of the season. We discuss Manchester City and their prospects ahead of a potentially challenging January. With the January wildcard upon us, we discuss strategies and key prospects to watch out for. We discuss the latest developments on the managerial front and their FPL implications and as always we round off with our combined picks for Gameweek 20.

We’re back in the studio for Episode 52 of the FPL Vibes Podcast brought to you by Socawarriors.net.

I’m joined this week by “LVD” (the co-host formerly known as Darryl “2cents” Celestine) as we recap our teams’ respective fortunes and glance the current standings in the FPL Vibes Prize League. We discuss the Kun injury situation and striker options to fill the void as well as key strategies to handle the hectic festive schedule. The discussion moves to the strong form of Manchester United and West Ham and as always we round off with our combined picks for Gameweek 16.

An exciting November month in the Barclays Premier League throws up our fourth monthly prize winner in the FPL Vibes Prize League. The November champ is Riaz Ali with his team Pelau Prince. For his monthly prize, Riaz has selected a Manchester United Away Kit, Van Persie #20 size Youth XL from our official kit supplier Red Mango Kits.

In the overall standings, his superb month sees Riaz Ali assume pole position with Pelau Prince. Saleem Boochoon with his team Ebouelah Hazard FC occupies second place, with Curtis Marshall and his Milanista team falling into third; Ian Emamalie, manager of Power Rangers FC and Nkosi Doyle with his Fun Guy’s FC round out the top 5 prize league positions. Congratulations to these managers blazing a trail at the top of the Prize League as we head into the much vaunted festive season. Now lets take a closer look at how Riaz accomplished his November feat.

In Gameweek 10, Riaz overhauled his team using 4 transfers to bring in Forster, Sanchez, Dummet and Adrian for Fabianski, Chadli, Taylor and Forster? (looks like he had a late change of heart in goal). Despite this indiscretion, his moves paid off handsomely as he registered a solid 78 point gameweek. Key performers were captain Sanchez (32), Aguero (8), Baines (7), Fabregas (6), Bertrand (6) and Wisdom (6). One transfer was made for Gameweek 11 with Sakho coming in for Welbeck and another excellent gameweek ensued. 84 points gathered with key performances from captain Aguero (26), Baines (11), Sanchez (9), Sigurdsson (9), Adrian (7) and Di Maria (6).

Riaz’ fine run came to a halt in Gameweek 12 when he stuttered to a below average 42 points. One transfer saw Austin enter for Welbeck and key performances came from Fabregas (9), Bertrand (7) and Dummet (6). Holding a slender advantage going into the final gameweek 13, Riaz then made his move.

No transfers for Gameweek 13, but a canny captaincy choice saw the Pelau Prince record a 53 point haul that edged him to the monthly prize. Key contributors were against the grain captain Austin (20), Aguero (7), Sigurdsson (7) and Adrian (6). This showing was just enough for Riaz to edge out Saleem Boochoon by a single point.

Riaz has been floating near the top of the table since the start of the season and this month is a culmination of excellent form and shrewd management. The decision to cap outside of the Aguero box in the final gameweek was instrumental in snatching the prize, and shows us that well calculated risks are necessary to make upward moves in the Fantasy Premier League game. Congratulations again to Riaz on accomplishing his feat.

The Christmas season is here, and we can expect the typical rollercoaster ride in the FPL game – rotation, injuries, goal fests, upsets and of course, managers slipping up under ham and grog can all be expected from the most hectic month in the EPL. Let’s see who emerges from the mayhem atop the pile in December

We’re back in the studio for Episode 51 of the FPL Vibes Podcast brought to you by Socawarriors.net.

I’m joined this week by “LVD” (the co-host formerly known as Darryl “2cents” Celestine) as well as special guest, FPL Vibes Prize League leader Curtis Marshall. We recap our teams’ respective fortunes and give our opinions on the “must have” players in the Fantasy League. On the flip side we discuss the disappointing “must pelt” players in our teams, then run the rule over the impressive West Ham squad and the fantasy prospects they offer. As always we round off with our combined picks for Gameweek 11.

A blistering October in the Barclays Premier League gives us our third monthly prize winner in the FPL Vibes Prize League. The October champ is Omar Romero with his team Sporting Pelau FC. For his monthly prize, Omar has selected a Chelsea FC Home Kit from our official kit supplier Red Mango Kits.

In the overall standings, Curtis Marshall with his team Milanista retains first place, trailed by two managers tied for second place; Riaz Ali with Pelau Prince and Nkosi Doyle with Fun Guy’s FC. Rounding out the prize league positions are Ebouelah Hazard FC – Saleem Boochoon and Power Rangers FC – Ian Emamalie. Kudos to the early pacesetters who continue to represent at the top of the charts. Now lets take a closer look at how Omar accomplished his October feat.

In Gameweek 7, Omar brought in Tadic and Aguero for the injured Rooney and Ramsey and recorded a respectable 65 points. Key performers for the week were captain Aguero (14), Di Maria (13), Sigurdsson (10), Costa (6) and Chester (6). However, the fireworks came after the international break in a remarkable gameweek 8 that would eventually determine the course of the monthly prize.

For gameweek 8, Omar take a huge risk by selling the doubtful Diego Costa for Welbeck and also brought in Baines for Chester. The gamble paid off handsomely as the Pelau bubbled to a monumental 122 points in the week. Key performers were 4 goal captain Aguero (38), Tadic (23), Pelle (15), Baines (15), Welbeck (7), Sterling (7) and Krul (6). Gameweek 9 saw another 2 transfers with Hazard coming in for Di Maria and Foster in for Krul. The result was a sub par 39 point week, with the only key contributions coming from Baines (7), Chambers (7) and Pelle (5). Nevertheless, it was just enough to stave off a late surge by Nkosi Doyle to win the monthly prize by a mere 2 points.

Despite a slow start to the season, one solid month – or rather one exceptional gameweek was enough to bring Omar back into the top 10 of the prize league. It goes to show with a tight league table, managers who make good decisions can experience alot of movement in a short space of time.

A milestone episode for us, as we return to the studio for Episode 50 of the FPL Vibes Podcast brought to you by Socawarriors.net.

I’m joined by “LVD” (the co-host formerly known as Darryl “2cents” Celestine) as we recap our teams’ respective fortunes and cast an eye on the top performers in the FPL Vibes Prize League. We share our ideas on handling the Diego Costa situation and also gloss over the impact of the pricing structure this year. The discussion moves to a view at some potential differential “season starter” prospects and as always we round off with our combined picks for Gameweek 9.